Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (Malaysia)
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is previewing the
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid at an event held at the Malaysia International Exhibition
& Convention Centre (MIECC). The company opened order books
for the locally-assembled hybrid yesterday, so this is a chance for interested
parties to view the car in the metal. It will be officially launched later this
month.
Hyundai’s rival to the Toyota Prius will be locally
assembled in Kulim, Kedah to take advantage of government incentives for CKD
Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs). The estimated price of a very well-equipped Ioniq Hybrid is from RM 130k.
The Ioniq is Hyundai’s global green car, and besides
this conventional hybrid version, the car was also designed to also accommodate
plug-in hybrid and pure EV systems. Malaysia will also be the
first location outside of Ulsan in South Korea to assemble the Ioniq.
The Ioniq Hybrid is powered by a 1.6 litre Kappa GDI
four-cylinder direct injection engine, producing 105 PS at 5,700 rpm and 147 Nm
of torque at 4,000 rpm. Hyundai claims that this internal combustion engine has
the world’s highest thermal efficiency at 40%. Interestingly, that’s the same
claim with the same 40% figure as Toyota’s current fourth-gen Prius.
The Kappa GDI is mated to a permanent magnet
synchronous electric motor with 44 PS and 170 Nm, a lithium-ion polymer
battery (lower memory sensitivity, better charge/discharge efficiency and
better maximum output over Ni-MH nickel-metal-hydride batteries) and a
six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The combined system output
from the engine and electric motor is 141 PS and 265 Nm.
The electric motor was specifically designed for
world-class efficiency, with optimisation measures including up to 10% thinner
core components (electrical steel sheet) and rectangular-section copper wire
for reduced core and copper loss. The motor enables the Ioniq to run in pure
electric mode at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
A unique point compared to Japanese hybrids is the
use of a DCT over a CVT. Hyundai claims that its dual-clutch ‘box has
best-in-class transfer efficiency through the use of low-friction bearings and
low-viscosity transmission oil. It also features Sport and Eco modes – the
former holds on to lower gears for longer, while the latter shifts up earlier
to higher gears for maximum fuel efficiency.
The Ioniq is built on a new dedicated platform, and
benefits from a number of weight-saving measures, including the use of an
aluminium bonnet and tailgate that shaves 12.4 kg off steel versions. The
material is also used on a large proportion of suspension parts to save around
10 kg, including 4.6 kg off the front lower arms and 7.14 kg off the rear lower
arms. Even the cargo cover on the Ioniq is around 25% lighter than on other
Hyundai models.
Under the skin, a multi-link rear suspension system
with dual lower arms enhances ride comfort, Hyundai says, while the steering
has been tuned for clear and precise response and feedback, with an increased
ratio for a sportier character. The brakes have also been optimised to maximise
regenerative braking performance.
Included are active safety
systems such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic
Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency
Braking and Smart Cruise Control. The piece of plastic covering the front
grille logo is the radar. Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. It will also come with Qi wireless smartphone
charging and the largest alloys on offer – 17-inch items with Michelin Primacy
rubber, including a full-sized spare with rim.
